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3 things to leave off your CV

So you’ve found a great CV template and you’re filling in all your experience, skills and qualifications – but have you thought about what you should leave out?

There are certain subjects that you should leave out of a CV as they will hinder your chances of getting an interview. You should never be negative, and instead always remain positive about every aspect – even if you were fired from your previous job!

Here are some things you should never include on your CV, however tempting it may be!

Party hobbies

Every employer is hopeful of finding a candidate that is dedicated to their career. Someone who will fit into the team and the company’s culture, and be committed to turning up each and every day on time without fail. Listing ‘socialising’ as one of your hobbies essentially tells your employer that you like to party. So they better order in the Alka Seltzer if they want you on form each day.

Better hobbies to mention are fitness and sports activities. Both of which suggest you’ll have less sick days. Creative and sporty hobbies can also further provide evidence of certain soft skills. This could be communication, leadership, passion and dedication, creativity, and so on.

I like spending time with my children

Some employers understand that having children means you will have to take the odd day off work. Children can become sick at any time, and may need collecting from school or nursery. This is completely understandable, and most likely the hiring manager is a family person also. But unfortunately some employers can be less understanding.

Don’t give a prospective employer the chance to discriminate against you before you’ve even landed an interview. Leave personal details like this off of your CV to be safe.

The only personal information you never need to provide on a CV is your full name and contact details – email address and mobile number. So if you’ve currently got listed down your religion, family status, relationship status, address, and date of birth; then remove this before you apply.

I left because my slave-driving employer made me work 60 hour weeks

Many of us move jobs because we don’t like our current position – whether it’s the pay, the hours, the work, or even the boss from hell. Prospective employers understand that you may have at least one job you’ve left because of a disagreement or dislike of the employer. But there’s really no need to spell it out with any emotion or air your grievances on your CV.

If you badmouth a past employer, you’ll come across as a negative person who is just as likely to badmouth your new employer. Carefully word your reasons for leaving to ensure they are framed in the positive, both on your CV and in the interview.

Finally, remember that you may need to rely on a previous employer to provide you with a great reference. So always stay positive about your past managers and try to leave on good terms.

If you’re unhappy and want to leave your job, there are constructive ways of going about that. Talk to your manager and explain your grievances in a controlled and professional manager. This will help to ensure you build up a nice portfolio of references, and keep your reputation intact.

NB: This CV template was updated on 8th September 2018.